We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful David Falter. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with David below.
David, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.
My early career was rooted in multimedia digital design, specialising in aspects such as motion graphics, web development, 3D designs, and branding. I had the privilege to work for industry giants like Google, NASA, Qualcomm, Nike, Red Bull, Stanford, and the United States Cyber Security. Despite the thrill and satisfaction coming from this demanding profession, I yearned for an individual creative outlet beyond the tailored needs of my clientele. Thus began the transformational year of 2019, when I decided to take a half step back from graphic design and concentrate on mastering the operation and programming of the CNC machine. However, during this transition, I quickly realized that my expertise in digital design did not easily translate to the intricacies of operating CNC machinery. The precision and technical knowledge required for CNC programming proved to be a significant and challenging departure from my previous work in motion graphics and branding.
Born with a hearing impairment, I have always found solace in the visual arts. Despite having a slight fear factor, the CNC machine intrigued me. Progressively, I got better with the equipment and manufacturing and decided to step out of my comfort zone by undertaking a complex project—carving out a 3D cityscape of Cincinnati, Ohio, using solely my machine. Many people thought this endeavor was impossible, which strengthened my determination to make it work. When I eventually succeeded, it not only boosted my confidence but also proved the naysayers wrong about the capabilities of an economical CNC milling machine.
This newfound success led me to a surprise opportunity in 2020. An owner of a hidden gem known as ‘the Warehouse’ in downtown Cincinnati, upon seeing my work on Facebook, offered me a large operational space. The immense space meant no size constraints for my CNC projects. Hence, I began experimenting with different themes and case studies, all of which were entirely unique.
One such experiment paved the path for a challenging opportunity: crafting a 100 ft wide and 8 ft tall cityscape sculpture of Downtown Cincinnati for a luxurious apartment complex. Despite limited experience and prevailing skepticism, my confidence, coupled with hard work paid off, and the project turned out to be a success. This was soon followed by another challenge – crafting a mural on a complicated 40ft by 30ft brick wall for the City of Cleveland. Despite the daunting task, I took it head-on and won the ‘Best Mural of 2023’ award, a first in many more milestones to come.
The key takeaway from my personal journey is the significance of self-belief and embracing challenges, even when they may seem impossible initially. It’s crucial not to limit yourself to resources; expand your horizons and search intensively when needed. Lastly, the value of passion in driving any significant venture can’t be overstated.
To this day, I continue to evolve in my craft, always on the lookout for the next challenge to conquer.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
David utilized various substrates such as cement, moss, and metal to create a visually striking and textured mural. The combination of these materials adds depth and dimension to his artwork, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal. His ability to seamlessly incorporate different mediums showcases his versatility as an artist and highlights his commitment to pushing the boundaries of traditional art forms. By utilizing modern technology and equipment, David is able to bring his imaginative vision to life with unparalleled precision and accuracy. The recognition he has received, including the prestigious Best National Mural Award, is a testament to his skill and innovative approach to creating large 3D wall art works.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
In the early stages of my career, I was deeply rooted in multimedia digital design, specializing in areas such as motion graphics, web development, 3D designs, and branding. I had the privilege of working with prestigious industry giants, including Google, NASA, Qualcomm, Nike, Red Bull, Stanford, and the United States Cyber Security. While I found great satisfaction and excitement in this demanding profession, I yearned for a personal creative outlet that went beyond the specific needs of my clients.
This desire for something more led me to a transformational decision in 2019. I made the choice to take a step back from graphic design and immerse myself in the world of CNC machines. I focused my efforts on mastering the operation and programming of these machines. However, during this transition, I quickly realized that my expertise in digital design did not easily translate to the intricacies of operating CNC machinery. The precision and technical knowledge required for CNC programming proved to be a significant and challenging departure from my previous work in motion graphics and branding.
Despite these initial hurdles, I was undeterred. Born with a hearing impairment, I had always found solace in the visual arts, and the CNC machine intrigued me, despite having a slight fear factor. I gradually honed my skills with the equipment and manufacturing processes. I decided to step out of my comfort zone and undertake a complex project: carving out a 3D cityscape of Cincinnati, Ohio, using solely my CNC machine. Many people believed this endeavor was impossible, but their skepticism only fueled my determination to prove them wrong. Eventually, through perseverance and relentless effort, I succeeded. This achievement not only boosted my confidence but also shattered misconceptions about the capabilities of an economical CNC milling machine.
This newfound success opened unexpected doors for me in 2020. The owner of ‘the Warehouse,’ a hidden gem in downtown Cincinnati, came across my work on Facebook and offered me a large operational space. This generous opportunity meant that I no longer had size constraints for my CNC projects. I seized this chance to experiment with different themes and case studies, each one entirely unique.
One particular experiment presented a significant turning point. I was tasked with crafting a massive 100 ft wide and 8 ft tall cityscape sculpture of Downtown Cincinnati for a luxurious apartment complex. Despite my limited experience and prevailing skepticism, I approached the challenge with unwavering confidence and dedicated hard work. To my delight, the project turned out to be a resounding success. This achievement was soon followed by yet another daunting task: creating a mural on a complicated 40ft by 30ft brick wall for the City of Cleveland. I embraced this challenge head-on and, to my surprise, received the prestigious ‘Best Mural of 2023’ award—an unprecedented milestone in my journey.
The key takeaway from this transformative experience is the immense significance of self-belief and the willingness to embrace challenges, even when they may seem insurmountable at first. It’s crucial not to limit oneself to existing resources but to constantly expand horizons and search intensively for new opportunities. Above all, the power of passion cannot be overstated when embarking on any significant endeavor.
To this day, I continue to evolve and grow in my craft, always seeking out the next challenge to conquer, building upon the lessons I learned during this pivotal period of pivoting in my career.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
In my journey as an artist and CNC machine operator, several factors played a significant role in building my reputation within the market.
Unique Skill Set: The transition from multimedia digital design to working with CNC machines brought a distinct skill set to the table. My background in motion graphics, web development, and branding provided a fresh perspective and creative approach to CNC projects. This unique blend of skills set me apart from others in the field and helped me create distinctive and innovative artwork.
Overcoming Challenges: The willingness to embrace challenges and push the boundaries of what was considered possible in CNC machining played a vital role in building my reputation. By taking on ambitious projects and succeeding against initial skepticism, I earned a reputation as someone who could tackle complex and unconventional tasks. This demonstrated my determination, technical expertise, and commitment to delivering exceptional results.
Demonstrating Expertise: As I embarked on larger and more intricate projects, I consistently showcased my expertise in CNC programming, operation, and manufacturing processes. This was evident in the meticulous attention to detail, precision, and quality of my work. By consistently delivering high-quality results, I gained the trust and respect of clients and industry professionals, further solidifying my reputation.
Recognition and Awards: Receiving recognition and awards for my work, such as the ‘Best Mural of 2023’ award, significantly contributed to building my reputation. These accolades brought attention to my artistic achievements and provided validation for the quality and impact of my creations. They served as a testament to my dedication, talent, and ability to deliver exceptional artwork.
Word-of-Mouth Recommendations: Satisfied clients and positive word-of-mouth recommendations played a crucial role in building my reputation within the market. As clients shared their positive experiences working with me and the impressive results I delivered, it created a ripple effect of referrals and new opportunities. Building strong relationships and ensuring client satisfaction became a cornerstone of my reputation-building strategy.
Contact Info:
- Website: davidfalter.com / dfalt.co
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dfalt_art/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dfaltart
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-falter/
Image Credits
David Falter